WELCOME TO WINCHESTER INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
SEASON INFORMATION
EVERY ATHLETE MUST READ THE ENTIRE SEASON INFORMATION
Find everything you need to know about this outdoor track season, ranging from meet schedules to athlete expectations. Everything about the track team's rules and expectations for athletes in on this document. It is important that every athlete pays attention to the season information, and many questions are answered on the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What do I need to register?
To join Winchester Track and Field, you must (1) register, (2) have an up to date concussion test, and (3) have an up-to-date physical. These must be in by November 29 at 3pm if you would like to be eligible for the first day of practice.
How does the team communicate?
The team communicates through SportsYou, both a website and a downloadable app. The code for SportsYou has been emailed to every athlete on the indoor track team. If you have not already joined and you are an athlete on the track team, make sure to check your email and join the SportsYou to stay updated on meets, practices, and more.
How do I get a varsity letter?
Athletes who participate in races for the varsity team who attend every practice, including vacation practices, are awarded a varsity letter. Varsity athletes who miss practice because of vacation do not receive a varsity letter. This is to make it more fair for the varsity athletes who do show up to every practice, including vacations.
Practices
What if I have a college visit?
College visits must be scheduled around practices or meets. The weekend of Saturday, January 11th to Sunday, January 12th is free for families to use for college visits if needed.
What time are practices?
Practices are from 3:30-5:30 on weekdays and vary on weekends. Usually, on weekends, practices happen on Saturday from 9-11am, but sometimes the time changes and rarely the team practices on Sunday.
What do I do if I am absent?
If you will be absent from a practice or competition for an excusable reason, email cviola@winchesterps.org with your event coach cc'd to let them know. Athletes are expected to communicate with the coaching staff.
What do I do if I am on vacation during track practices?
If you are on vacation during break, you will receive a training plan from your coach regarding what to do on your own whenever/wherever you can. If you are on vacation during any other time, you may ask your coach what you can do on vacation to keep practicing.
What do I need for practice every day?
Depending on athlete's event groups, athletes will need trainers to train in, spikes, and proper athletic attire, meaning any clothing that an athlete can wear to a training session (no jeans, etc). Water/hydration is also recommended.
Where do we meet for practices?
All practices, unless otherwise specified on SportsYou or through email, are in the Winchester High School gym, including weekend practices. On weekends, door 7 (the gym door) will be open.
How often are practices?
Practices are six days a week every week. Sometimes, practices will be on Sunday (when this happens, Saturday practice is usually cancelled).
What if I have a doctor's appointment during a practice?
If you have a doctor's appointment during a practice or a meet, you must (1) email the head coach and your event coach to let them know ahead of time, and (2) provide your coach with a note from your doctor confirming this appointment.
Do I need new trainers for practice?
Proper trainers significantly improve athlete's health. Old trainers can cause shin splints or other pain to the lower legs. Athletes should check in with their event coaches and other athletes in their event for what to purchase. If you already have trainers, you do not need to purchase new ones.
What if I have a sports practice for another team during track practice?
According to WHS's Bona Fide Team Member Rule, members of a WHS team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in any non-school athletic activity/event.
When does the season end?
For athletes who do not qualify for Middlesex League Championships, the season ends Thursday, January 27 (meaning the season is almost 2 months long, starting on Monday, December 2). For athletes who qualify for further meets, the season will continue until they do not qualify for any more meets, potentially up until Indoor Nationals, which ends on Sunday, March 16.
Is there practice over breaks?
Yes, there are practices during breaks, but not 6 days a week. During Christmas break, there will be practices from 12/26-12/29, 12/31, 1/1, 1/3, and 1/4. There is no practice 12/21-12/25. There will also be meets on 12/30 and 1/2. During February break, there are practices from 2/16-2/21, including meets on 2/13 and 2/22, but there will be no practice 2/14 and 2/15.
Meets
How do I get to meets?
All athletes are expected to take the team transportation to each meet. Athletes will be expected to take the team transportation to and from all meets (until championship season, including MIAA D2 State Championships and on). Meet locations will be public for parents or other spectators to come and watch. All athletes will be expected to stay at each meet for a specified amount of time to support their teammates. This expectation will be communicated during the week prior to the meet.
How/where can I get spikes?
Marathon sports will have a spike night on Wednesday, December 4 from 6-8 PM at Marathon Sports in Reading. Spikes will be on sale, and there will be reliable employees that can guide you towards the right spikes for you. Track spikes can also be bought online.
If I qualify for states, do I have to go?
It is expected that an athlete continues their season until they do not qualify for any further meets. If an athlete qualifies for state meets, it is expected that the athlete runs at the meets.
Where can I buy a uniform?
Uniforms must be purchased from Marathon Sports (refer to the information document). This will be every athlete's uniform for the rest of their high school athletic career. If an athlete already has a track or cross country uniform for WHS, they will not need a new one.
What can I expect from a meet (as an athlete)?
You will arrive at the meet with your team. Make sure to know what time your events are so that you can be warmed-up and ready for it (it is best to warm up about 45 minutes before your event). There will be a clerking table that will call for your event, and at that time, you will report to the clerking table where you will receive your heat and lane assignment. You will then be lined up with other people in your heat until it is time for your event.
What can I wear for shorts?
Marathon Sports also sells shorts for WHS athletes. Otherwise, athletes must wear all-black shorts (spandex allowed, but no basketball shorts).
What spikes should I get?
The type of spike you get depends on your event group. Nike and New Balance both have good, reliable introductory spikes. Check in with other athletes you know in your event group to see what kinds of spikes you should get.
Do I need spikes?
Spikes, which are physical shoes with holes for removable 1/4 inch spikes on the bottom, significantly improve the speed and health of athletes during meets. Spikes can shed very significant times from athlete's performances. It is necessary that if possible, every athlete should get a pair of spikes specific to their event type (sprints, distance, throws).
